CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Health plans across the country are experiencing vast changes under the Affordable Care Act, alongside the evolving challenges presented by advances in technology. To navigate these changes, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee has recruited Pat Weiser as vice president and chief compliance officer.

“Health plans must continually review and revamp their compliance programs to be successful in today’s changing health care and regulatory landscape,” said JD Hickey, COO and executive vice president at BlueCross. “Pat is at the forefront of the industry and is well versed in the specialized rules and regulation surrounding health care. We know that under her leadership we will continue to develop strong programs that are good for our members and our company.”

Weiser previously served as chief compliance officer for Martin’s Point Health Care in Portland, Maine. While there, she led a complete revamp of that non-profit’s corporate and product compliance programs. Emphasizing transparency, she helped make the company’s compliance plan easier to understand and a regular part of employees’ every day work lives.

Prior to Martin’s Point, Weiser led Medicare product management and compliance teams at EmblemHealth in New York City for eight years. In that time she became an expert in Medicare Advantage, Dual Eligible programs, Part D programs, and Medicaid and Medicare supplement programs.

Weiser received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from State University at Albany (New York), and continuing her graduate work in Albany, earned a nursing degree from Maria College and a Masters in Health Services Administration from Sage Graduate School.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee's mission is to provide its customers and communities with peace of mind through affordable solutions for health and healing, life and living. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on reinventing the health plan for its 3 million members in Tennessee and across the country. Through its integrated health management approach, BlueCross provides patient-centric products and services that drive health improvement and positively impact health care quality and value. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company's website at www.bcbst.com.